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The 1942 classic Casablanca has been named the greatest romantic movie of all time, ranking No. 1 on Variety’s list of the 50 Greatest Romantic Movies of All Time.

The Michael Curtiz film took the top spot ahead of James Cameron’s Titanic (1997), which placed No. 2.

Starring Humphrey Bogart as Rick Blaine and Ingrid Bergman as Ilsa Lund, Casablanca remains one of Hollywood’s most recognized love stories. Variety’s ranking points to the film’s lasting portrayal of love, sacrifice, devotion and difficult choices.

The film follows Rick, an American expatriate who runs a nightclub and gambling den in Casablanca during World War II. His life changes when Ilsa, the woman he once loved in Paris, enters his club with her husband, Victor Laszlo, a Czechoslovak Resistance leader.

Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart looking out window in a scene from the film 'Casablanca', 1942.

Photo by Warner Brothers/Getty Images

Laszlo needs help escaping Casablanca so he can continue fighting the Nazis. Rick must then face a painful choice between his feelings for Ilsa and helping her and her husband escape.

The publication highlighted the relationship between Rick and Ilsa as one of cinema’s most complicated and emotional love stories. Their romance is shaped by their past, their present situation and the sacrifices they must make.

A key part of the film is Rick’s decision to let Ilsa leave Casablanca with Laszlo. Instead of choosing a life with the woman he loves, Rick helps her reach safety with her husband.

That decision gives the romance its central meaning. Love in Casablanca is not only about being together. It is also about giving something up for another person.

The movie also features one of its most famous musical moments when Sam, played by Dooley Wilson, performs “As Time Goes By.” Ilsa’s request for the song brings Rick and his past together again.

The story combines romance with war, suspense, drama and political conflict. That mix helped Casablanca become more than a simple love story.

Casablanca premiered in New York City on Nov. 26, 1942, and received its nationwide U.S. release on Jan. 23, 1943. Its release came during World War II, when the city of Casablanca had become part of the news because of the Allied campaign in North Africa.

The movie won three Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Director for Michael Curtiz and Best Adapted Screenplay for Julius J. Epstein, Philip G. Epstein and Howard Koch. It was also selected for preservation in the U.S. National Film Registry in 1989 because of its cultural, historical or aesthetic significance.

The film’s reputation remains strong with critics and audiences. Rotten Tomatoes lists Casablanca with a 99% Tomatometer score and a 95% Popcornmeter score based on the figures provided.

The American Film Institute has also recognized the film as one of Hollywood’s major works. According to AFI, Casablanca is ranked No. 1 among cinema’s love stories. The organization also lists six of its quotes among the most memorable movie quotes of all time.

More than eight decades after its release, Casablanca continues to stand at the center of conversations about great romantic films.

Related: Iconic 1997 Hit 'Titanic,' With 20-Year-Old Actress, Ranked 2nd-Greatest Romantic Movie of All Time

Michael Jackson’s daughter, Paris Jackson, just opened up to Alex Cooperon the ‘Call Her Daddy’ podcast, revealing what it was like to grow up in Neverland Ranch. 

The famed estate featured a zoo and an amusement park, making it a seemingly idyllic place for Paris’s childhood. But for the King of Pop’s daughter, it wasn’t all fun and games. Even though she only spent her earliest years at Neverland Ranch, Jackson still has memories of her first home. 

Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch. (Photo Paul Harris/Getty Images)

So what was it like? If you expect Paris to say that she spent her days enjoying the animals and riding on the Ferris wheel, think again. The 28-year-old told Cooper, “I’d wake up and go to school.”

Of course, “school” wasn’t the same for Jackson as it was for most children. Instead of taking a bus, Paris just walked down the hall. As the child of one of the most famous performers in history, going to a traditional school wasn’t in the cards for her. “I’d wake up, and we'd go to the room that was our classroom and would go to school,” explained Jackson.

Paris also talked about her somewhat surprisingly strict upbringing, “The very congruent line throughout my childhood that kind of started there and just continued on wherever we went was if you’re good, and you do your chores, and you do your homework, and you do the things that you’re supposed to do, then on the weekends you can go see some animals and you can go ride some rides and you can go to the movies.”

She continued, explaining why she didn’t get to run free in Neverland 24-7, “It was made very, very clear that all of the attractions there were not for us. They did not belong to us. That was for, you know, underprivileged children and children that were terminally ill that couldn't go to like Disneyland.”

Jackson added, “And that continued on…because at one point we wouldn’t stay in one place for more than a year and we’d hotel hopped a lot. And so it was, you know, if we were living in Vegas and it’s like, ‘Okay, if you’re good, you can go to Circus Circus on the weekends,’ or like we were in like some random place in Virginia, ‘Okay, if you’re good, you can go to Chuck E. Cheese this weekend.’”

But the rules didn’t end there. Paris went on to reveal, “So it was always, you know, the same thing with like television, like we weren’t allowed to watch television or movies and stuff either unless we were studying it for film with the sound off or you know, it was on the weekends if we had like done everything we were supposed to.”

One of country music’s biggest stars is bringing a Nashville tradition to Los Angeles for a special night supporting the genre’s history.

Lainey Wilson will host the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s fundraiser All for the Hall Los Angeles on Sept. 17 at The Novo in the L.A. Live complex, where she’ll be joined by a yet-to-be-announced group of artists for a special “guitar pull” performance.

The Nashville tradition brings songwriters together onstage, with each taking turns performing songs while the other artists listen, join in or provide accompaniment.

“I’m so excited to host All for the Hall this fall,” Wilson said in announcing the show. “The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum does incredible work preserving the music we love and sharing it with the next generation, and it means a lot to me to support that mission.”

Wilson added, “It’s going to be a special night, and I’m honored to be part of it.”

Lainey Wilson Is Helping Preserve Country Music’s History

The Los Angeles benefit comes amid an interesting stretch for Wilson, who has increasingly used her star power to support organizations working to preserve country music and pass its history on to younger generations.

Just last week, it was announced that Wilson will perform two acoustic fundraiser concerts Oct. 20 at the historic Ellis Theater in Philadelphia, Mississippi. Proceeds from those performances will support Country Music Hall of Famer Marty Stuart’s project the Congress of Country Music, his museum and performing arts project devoted to preserving the genre’s history.

Stuart called Wilson a “touchstone figure” while announcing those concerts.

“Lainey Wilson is a vibrant performer who is blazing through the country music world today,” Stuart said. “She’s authentic, she’s fearless, and she has become a touchstone figure to so many of her fans around the world.”

Now, Wilson is lending her support to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

Proceeds from All for the Hall Los Angeles will benefit the museum’s educational programs, including Words & Music, which pairs professional songwriters with students to transform lyrics written in the classroom into finished songs.

Nearly 200,000 students have participated in Words & Music since the program began in 1979, according to the museum.

'All for the Hall' Has a Long History

All for the Hall dates back to 2007, when Country Music Hall of Famer Vince Gill challenged himself and other artists to donate the proceeds from one performance each year to the nonprofit museum.

The concert series has since traveled outside Nashville, with events held in New York, Los Angeles, Dallas and Oklahoma. Keith Urban has hosted recurring Nashville editions since 2009, while Blake Shelton hosted an Oklahoma benefit in 2024.

The museum says its educational initiatives reached more than 125,000 people through in-person and virtual programming last year.

Wilson arrives at the event during another blockbuster year. The Grammy winner and Grand Ole Opry member recently headlined Stagecoach, released the new song “Can’t Sit Still” and collaborated with Miley Cyrus on “Younger You.” She is also the subject of the new Netflix documentary Lainey Wilson: Keepin’ Country Cool.

Tickets for All for the Hall Los Angeles go on sale Friday, Aug. 14, at 10 a.m. PT/noon CT. Additional artists joining Wilson for the guitar pull will be announced later.

Related: Country Music Hall of Fame Makes Huge Lainey Wilson Announcement

Succession star Jeremy Strong recently opened up toGQ about his journey to becoming a part of Aaron Sorkin'sThe Social Reckoning. The follow-up to David Fincher's The Social Network is set for release this fall and follows the events that took place 17 years later. The actor discussed how he personally reached out to Sorkin to be considered for the part of Mark Zuckerberg if Jesse Eisenbergdidn't return. He told the magazine, “It’s the kind of role that fascinates me.” 

Strong likened it to his Apprentice co-star, Sebastian Stan, taking on the role of Donald Trump. "It’s like, the perils of that could not be greater. To commit to it, and to be free within it, is a great challenge,” he said. “I know that he is a reviled person and not a popular person in our culture, but I do not think you should have an actor playing him who wants to set out to condemn him.”

Related: Watch Jeremy Strong’s Shocking Transformation Into Mark Zuckerberg in ‘The Social Reckoning’ Trailer

So naturally, he started his prep for the role by emailing Mark Zuckerberg: “I wrote to him — I’m probably going to give Sony an aneurysm — I sent him an email. Just to say that I take this responsibility very seriously, and the veracity of it seriously, and I’m approaching it with respect,” and Zuckerberg reached back out.

Now what Strong and Meta head honcho talked about remains between them, but the actor shared that if the businessman were to want to meet, he's open to it. “It feels incredibly fraught to talk about the movie, to talk about Mark and being the person who is playing Mark and representing Mark in a sense to the world and to posterity. I feel an enormous sense of weight and responsibility,”  he said. “My job is to understand and defend his point of view and fight his fight.”

The Social Reckoning hits theaters October 9, 2026.

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There’s something so appealing about the quiet luxury aesthetic. It’s all about pieces that make you look classy and luxe without being gaudy or flashy. Jewelry is a great way to incorporate this trend into your everyday life. Pieces that are understated yet elegant can transform any outfit, making it feel intentional without overdoing it. 

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There’s a big difference between loud luxury and quiet luxury. Loud luxury wants everyone to notice the jewellery. Quiet luxury lets people notice you. Think delicate solid gold, natural diamonds, pieces you never take off, and an effortless ear stack that looks like you’ve collected it over years—not bought it all at once. It’s not about trends. It’s about investing in timeless pieces that work with everything, every single day. For me, that’s a simple diamond necklace, a pair of everyday huggies, and tiny diamond studs. Minimal, understated, and always elegant. The best jewellery doesn’t shout. It whispers. 🤍 📍 HQ Showroom 🕙 Open Monday–Friday, 10am–3pm 🌊 Sydney Northern Beaches 🛍️ Shop online: lunarae.com #quietluxury #solidgoldjewellery #everydayjewellery #earstack #minimalstyle

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If you’re looking to add some to your collection, Walmart carries a ton of pieces that capture this aesthetic without requiring you to shell out a pretty penny. The Cate & Chloe Kadence Swarovski Crystal Drop Earrings are a prime example. Featuring two round-cut Swarovski crystals on each side, they have just the right amount of glam. 

Right now, you can score these earrings on sale for a limited time with a Walmart flash deal. They normally retail for $20, which is already a buzzworthy price considering that several reviewers said they look more expensive than they are. However, they’re now marked down to just $18 in white gold, rose gold, and yellow gold. 

Cate & Chloe Kadence Swarovski Crystal Drop Earrings, $18 (were $20) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

Dainty yet dazzling, these earrings capture the essence of quiet luxury. The Swarovski crystals mimic the look of diamonds, designed with the same brilliance and clarity as the real deal. They’re faceted with multiple flat faces that catch and reflect light from different angles, allowing them to sparkle constantly. 

One clear 4-millimeter crystal sits above a 6-millimeter crystal, creating a cascading drop effect. Boasting a 30-millimeter drop, these earrings will elegantly frame the upper portion of your face and draw attention to your features. The crystals are loosely linked together by delicate chains, designed to sway along with your movements. 

These earrings are a Walmart favorite, racking up over 400 five-star ratings. Numerous reviewers raved about their appearance, describing them as “super sparkly,” “stunning,” and “absolutely gorgeous.” Many shoppers also mentioned that they look “very luxurious” and “high-end.” One customer said that “these are beautiful earrings, and unless you’re an expert jeweler, no one can tell that they are not real diamonds!”

Cate & Chloe Kadence Swarovski Crystal Drop Earrings, $18 (were $20) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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Made of brass and plated with 18-karat gold, these earrings have a shiny and polished finish. They’re hypoallergenic and free of lead and nickel, making them a safe choice for those with sensitive skin. Attesting to this, reviewers with sensitive ears noted that they were able to wear these earrings for long periods of time without any issues. 

These earrings have a fishhook post that snakes through the piercing and dangles from the arch. Many shoppers raved about how comfortable they are to wear. The fishhook wire curves down to hold the earrings securely in place, eliminating the need for a backing that you could potentially lose. 

Versatile and understated, these earrings are ideal for a wide range of occasions, whether you’re heading to the grocery store, dining at a Michelin-starred restaurant, or anything in between. These earrings are eye-catching but not in an ostentatious way. Styled with any outfit, they’ll subtly elevate your look. You can throw them on with casual attire like loungewear, athleisure, and laid-back streetwear, or pair them with dressy ensembles like chic sundresses and officewear. 

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• Cate & Chloe McKenzie Drop Earrings, $18 (were $40) at Walmart
• Cate & Chloe Juliana Halo Drop Earrings, $18 (were $20) at Walmart
• Cate & Chloe Sophia Halo Pendant Necklace, $18 (was $40) at Walmart

Related: Liz Claiborne's Classic Hoop Earrings 'Go Well With Everything,' and They're on Sale for $4

Bring some elegance and subtle glam to any outfit with the Cate & Chloe Kadence Swarovski Crystal Drop Earrings. Head to Walmart and snag them while they’re still on sale for just $18! 

Don’t miss future deals! Sign up for Parade Picks to receive our commerce team’s curated selection of discounts and sales, twice a week.

Karoline Leavitt is stepping down as White House press secretary at the end of August, President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday, August 12, on Truth Social, transitioning instead into a role as one of his "top outside advisors."

President Trump credited Leavitt's desire to spend more time with her family as the reason behind the move. 

"Our wonderful White House Press Secretary, and one of my most trusted aides, Karoline Leavitt, will be departing her role at the end of the month so she can spend more time with her beautiful young children and family, a decision I totally understand and respect," he wrote.

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"Karoline will now be one of my top outside advisors, and an influential voice within the Republican Party, as we work to defy History, and conclusively win the Midterm Elections."

He continued, "Karoline has been a real leader in the White House, and has done a phenomenal job fighting for Justice, Liberty, and Freedom, since 2018, including our Historic Re-Election Campaign of 2024. Karoline has been one of the best White House Press Secretaries in the History of the Office. Thank you, Karoline, for a job well done!"

A Bittersweet Decision, in Leavitt's Own Words

Serving as the White House Press Secretary over the past year and a half has been the honor and adventure of a lifetime. I am incredibly grateful to President Trump for granting me so many extraordinary opportunities, such as working in the West Wing and spending countless hours… https://t.co/4jyW61DGGh pic.twitter.com/xny1yccuBn

— Karoline Leavitt (@karolineleavitt) August 12, 2026

Leavitt, 28, gave birth to her second child, a daughter, in May, and had only recently returned to the White House. In a statement of her own, she explained what led to the decision.

"The truth is since returning to the White House after the birth of my daughter, I have felt in my heart that I cannot be the best mom my two young children deserve while devoting the constant time, energy, and attention required of the White House Press Secretary, and that is why I have ultimately made the bittersweet decision to depart the White House and embark on a new chapter in my life," she wrote on X, just hours after President Trump's annoucement.

"President Trump has asked me to continue serving as a top advisor to him on the outside, and I will always remain a vocal advocate for MAGA and the Republican Party."

What Comes Next? Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt Holds Briefing At The White House

(Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

It remains unclear who will succeed Leavitt as press secretary or who will handle briefings in the interim. Her departure comes less than three months before the midterm elections, adding real weight to the transition inside the West Wing's communications operation.

Leavitt has held the role since the start of President Trump's second term in January 2025, making her, at 27 when she started, the youngest White House press secretary in American history.

A Trusted Voice, Now Working From Outside

Leavitt thanked the president in her own words for the opportunity to serve in such a high-profile position, and her exit marks the end of an 18-month run that ranks as the second-longest tenure for a press secretary under President Trump, trailing only Sarah Huckabee Sanders' nearly two years during his first term.

As Trump's announcement made clear, though, Leavitt's departure from the podium doesn't mean she's leaving his orbit, just stepping into a new one.

For many people who've struggled with alcoholism, it's much easier to pinpoint the moment they decide to stop than how they got there. For Patricia Heaton, who's been sober eight years, she can remember both. However, it's how she decided to stop that makes her cringe.

The Everybody Loves Raymond star was playing board games with her four sons and their friends when she tried to say a particular word. "I couldn’t pronounce the word 'tradition,'" she admitted to Women's World. "I tried three times. My youngest son said, 'That’s great, Mom. You can’t even speak.'"

"I was so mortified, completely mortified," she said.

View this post on Instagram An Answered Prayer

The funny thing was, she'd been thinking about how much she drank just the previous day. "I sent up this thought prayer, and I'm like, 'You know, God, I think I want to quit drinking,'" she recalled saying. "'I will never be able to quit drinking. I love Maker's Mark Old Fashions too much. But I think you want me to quit drinking, and I'd be willing to do it, but you have to make it happen, because I can't.'"

After the "tradition" embarrassment, she decided to stop drinking. "I'm like, 'Well, thanks for answering that prayer in record time, God,'" Heaton, 68, said, laughing. "'You know how to make it happen.'"

Turning Sobriety into a Business

Even though she's now sober, she missed being able to have an occasional glass of wine. "I tried a lot of NA (non-alcoholic) wines and they were either very thin, flat, or they tasted like grape juice," Heaton said. "And so I thought, there's got to be a way to do this."

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The answer for The Middle star was to create her own wine, Solubrae. Made in California, the alcohol is removed in a gentle, cold-temperature process. So far, they have two options: a white wine called Daylight and a rosé called Sundown. Fortunately, that embarrassing "tradition" moment not only led Heaton to stop drinking, but to a new line of business: her own wine for anyone missing the social ritual.

Bob Dylan is one of the most prolific singer-songwriters in rock music history, but the music legend is also a pioneer in music videos. Long before MTV dominated the airwaves and Michael Jackson and Madonna reigned supreme, Dylan’s “Subterranean Homesick Blues” video was widely regarded as one of the earliest and most influential music videos. A new ranking of the top 50 music videos of all time names the Dylan classic at the top of the list.

Released in 1965 as part of D.A. Pennebaker’s documentary Don’t Look Back, the opening sequence for “Subterranean Homesick Blues” is nothing short of iconic. The simple concept features Dylan performing the song for the camera, standing in an alley on a London street and silently flipping through cue cards containing selected words and phrases from the song’s lyrics.

How Bob Dylan Changed the Music Video

The sequence changed the way musicians could use visuals to accompany their music. This wasn’t a concert recording or the highly produced, big-budget videos that would come decades later in the MTV era.

Dylan wasn’t lip-syncing, dancing or acting out the song. This was a stripped-down, simple concept that used the cards as a visual extension of Dylan’s lyrics. It created something that felt spontaneous, irreverent and undeniably Bob Dylan.

Years later, INXS famously borrowed the concept for their 1987 music video for “Mediate,” with their version featuring lead singer Michael Hutchence standing in front of a camera while flipping through cards containing words and phrases timed to the song.

More elaborate than Dylan’s “Subterranean Homesick Blues” video, INXS transformed the simplicity of Dylan’s original into an elaborate adaptation, featuring increasingly playful and surreal messages on the cards.

Dylan had released his video 20 years earlier, yet his influence on MTV’s golden age was undeniable.

Related: 1969 Rock Classic, Written in Just 20 Minutes, Named the Greatest Protest Song of All Time

Bob Dylan's Influence Reached the MTV Era

The concept became so iconic that “Weird Al” Yankovic later parodied the video in his own work, demonstrating how deeply Dylan’s original video had entered popular culture.

Part of what makes “Subterranean Homesick Blues” so impactful is when it happened. This was 1965, long before MTV launched in 1981 and before musicians used music videos as a way to promote their music and extend its impact.

Artists like the Beatles were just beginning to experiment with film, television and promotional clips, but there was no standardized formula for what a music video was supposed to look like.

Why “Subterranean Homesick Blues” Still Matters

With “Subterranean Homesick Blues,” Dylan didn’t just push the envelope; he helped define it, creating a video that is classic and modern all at the same time.

The sequence helped establish an important principle of the music video, one that would inspire generations of directors during the MTV era and even now through social media: A song’s visuals don’t have to literally illustrate the song.

Rather, a music video could interpret a song or simply give viewers an unforgettable image to associate with the music.

Related: 1977 SNL Performance Took a Wild Turn When a Rock Star Suddenly Changed the Song Live on Air

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In general, a good fantasy film will treat audiences to two hours or so of escapism, with unique world-building, a whimsical setting, and a brave yet relatable protagonist, usually with a band of helpful friends. Collider recently spotlighted several films that share these qualities by releasing a ranking of "10 genuinely perfect fantasy movies."

The list, published on August 9, included films from the magical genre like Spirited Away from 2001, 1987's The Princess Bride, 2006's Pan's Labyrinth, The Green Knightfrom 2021, and the 2003 Oscar-winning film, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. The 1982 film The Dark Crystal, co-directed by famed puppeters Jim Henson and Frank Oz, was named the most "perfect fantasy" film by Collider.

During a 2024 panel at The Museum of Moving Image, Oz discussed making the film, which focuses on Mystics and Skeksis on Thra. Oz said while he was the film's co-director and David Odell wrote the screenplay, "it's Jim's film." He explained that Henson, who died in 1990 when he was 53, had "asked [him] to direct with him" because they had different "strengths" to ensure The Dark Crystal was the exact film he envisioned.

Oz also noted that The Dark Crystal was "the first thing [he] ever directed."

"You don't jump to something like this. I mean, this is massive, truly massive, and so I was learning while I was doing," said Oz.

While Oz suggested he had some difficulty co-directing The Dark Crystal, he said that working on the 1982 film enabled him to successfully direct The Muppets Take Manhattan (1984) and Little Shop of Horrors (1986).

During the 2024 panel, Oz also shared that Henson came up with the story the film is based on while he was "stuck" at an airport with his daughter, Cheryl Henson, because of "a snowstorm."

"They made up the story while they were there," said Oz.

In addition, Oz said that the film's mystical themes reflected Henson's spirituality.  

"He felt there were different planes of existence. He was very spiritual in that sense and again not organized religion necessarily, but he was very spiritual and had his own view of that there were other planes of existence," said Oz.

It's been a couple of years since Olympic medalist Ryan Lochte's marriage to Kayla Rae Reid imploded, and Reid is in a place where she can look back with a clear perspective. The real estate agent and former Playboy model says she is finally able to see the red flags she ignored, while also realizing that if she'd left sooner, she "probably wouldn't have my third child."

View this post on Instagram Ignoring the Early Red Flags

Reid recalled receiving photos of him cuddling with another woman while she was pregnant with their first child, Caiden, and the ease with which he denied it. "When I confronted him [about whether he cheated], he said, 'Absolutely not, that didn’t happen,'" she told People. When she was pregnant with their third child, Georgia, in 2023, she said she found selfies on his phone of a woman from his gym.

"I blamed myself," she admitted. "I'm so sorry that you need to talk to other girls.' Like, it's a 'me' problem," she said. Reid claimed that, along with the cheating, Lochte abused drugs and alcohol. But he lied so easily that she questioned her own perceptions instead. Plus, there were still happy moments.

"What I was living I thought was good," she said. "But there were a lot of things that I didn’t know were happening. It’s a question that I actually have: What was real? What wasn’t?"

Three months after Georgia was born, Lochte was driving to pick up his kids from school when he rear-ended a garbage truck. With a broken femur and leg, he had a long recovery ahead of him, and Reid struggled to take care of a newborn, their five-year-old, Liv, and Caiden, along with working and taking care of the household. Yet they put on a united front, with Reid even sharing videos of his recovery.

The Breaking Point Behind Closed Doors

The following year, Reid said that she discovered he'd done cocaine in Liv's bedroom, and also used nitrous oxide (whippets) in front of their children. Lochte has admitted to substance use in the home, but denies using drugs in the presence of his children. After he rejected an ultimatum that included inpatient rehab and marriage counseling, she filed for divorce, shared Reid.

Nowadays, Reid feels lighter and freer. She started a podcast, The Comeback Era, with her pal, former Bachelor contestant Caroline Lunny, and she's enjoying being single. Despite the painful lessons and lingering questions about what was real, Reid has reclaimed her story, using her voice to inspire others as she navigates this empowering new chapter on her own terms.

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One of Garth Brooks' best-selling albums is one of the highest-performing albums in Billboard chart history.

The country singer's 1991 album Ropin' the Wind is featured on Billboard's list of the Greatest of All Time Billboard 200 Albums, where it places just outside the Top 5 at No. 6.

The all-time rankings, which are based on actual performance on the weekly Billboard 200 between August 1963 and October 2015, also include Bruce Springsteen's Born in the U.S.A. at No. 5, Taylor Swift's Fearless at No. 4, Michael Jackson's Thriller at No. 3, The Sound of Musicsoundtrack at No. 2, and Adele's 21 at No. 1.

Brooks' Ropin' the Wind, his third studio album, dropped on September 10, 1991 and features some of the country legend's major hit singles, including tracks like "Rodeo," "Shameless," "The River" and more.

It spent a total of 18 weeks at the summit on the Billboard 200 chart, which is the most out of all Brooks' No. 1 albums on that chart. Along with Ropin' the Wind, he's had 8 other albums reach the No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200: The Hits (8 weeks), In Pieces (5 weeks), The Chase (7 weeks), Sevens (5 weeks), Double Live (5 weeks), The Limited Series (2 weeks) and both Scarecrow and Blame It All On My Roots: Five Decades Of Influences, which both spent 1 week on top.

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In addition to Ropin' the Wind's massive chart success, the album has also been certified 14x Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), which considers Brooks to be one of the best-selling artists of all time.

The "Friends in Low Places" crooner has the most albums sold by any artist, and he was recently announced to have the Top Album of the Year so far, according to the RIAA's Mid-Year’s Best List for 2026. He also received the first-ever RIAA Artist of a Lifetime Award back in June.

Additionally, Brooks has had 19 singles reach No. 1 on Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart, while 17 of his albums have hit No. 1 on the Top Country Albums chart.

Related: 67-Year-Old Country Legend Alan Jackson Just Hit a New Milestone 35 Years in the Making

American rock band Paul Revere & the Raiders would land a hit track thanks to The Animals, as "Kicks" was released during a time when the track was seen as outdated.

The 1966 garage rock/pop rock song by Paul Revere & the Raiders was originally written by popular songwriting duo Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil. The two had developed a previous hit track for The Animals titled "We Gotta Get Out of This Place" that landed on the charts and became known as a war-era anthem.

Mann and Weil were ready to give The Animals another hit with "Kicks" after producer Terry Melcher asked the duo to develop a new track. Instead, the band's lead singer Eric Burdon turned down the song, and the track was instead offered to Paul Revere & the Raiders.

The band out of Boise, Idaho were originally an instrumental rock band and got their first hit in 1963 with "Like, Long Hair," which landed at No. 38 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Their cover of "Louie Louie" was also a minor success. It wasn't until they released "Kicks" that the band achieved their first Top 10 hit, as it ranked at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Sung by Mark Lindsay when he was 24 years old, "Kicks" was an unexpected hit for a few reasons. Mann and Weil wrote the track as a warning to a friend about the dangers of drug use, while the lyrics don't explicitly mention drugs; Lindsay sings lyrics about telling a girl that they won't fill the emptiness inside her.

The catch? "Kicks" was released during the rise of the teen counterculture and hippie era.

The track is often considered to be one of the first anti-drug tracks that was released during the pro-hippie and pro-experimentation movement that would drive multiple musicians and become a cultural staple of the 60s. The themes became prevalent among U.S. FM radio stations, with "Kicks" being seen as "outdated" for the time.

"Kicks" caused a stir despite its commercial success and favoritism among critics, as radio and TV were being monitored and censored based on tracks that promoted drug use. David Crosby was even bothered by the track as his group's "Eight Miles High" was boycotted by radio stations, with the singer claiming "Kick" was a " dumb anti-drug song" while theirs had a more personal story.

Decades later, the track still holds as a fan favorite, with Ace Frehley of KISS having once told SongFacts, "When I was a kid, I used to come home from school and they'd be on TV. I was exposed to their music, and I always liked the song 'Kicks' because it had a great riff. Now that I listen to the lyrics, I realize that it's a really good anti-drug song, and it's a good message for the youth of today."

Related: 1967 Pop Rock Song, Written by The Beatles, Launched a 24-Year-Old Singer's Career

Chris Watts has reportedly applied to marry a woman he met while behind bars. He is currently serving multiple life sentences after pleading guilty to murdering his pregnant wife and their two daughters.

The Daily Mail reports that Watts is in a relationship with Lizzie Henderson, a 39-year-old realtor from Cleveland, with her relatives telling the outlet that they have applied to marry within the prison system. She has begun the process of legally changing her name, already going by "Lizzie Watts." The outlet further reports that she moved from Ohio to Wisconsin to be closer to him, as he is incarcerated at Dodge Correctional Institution (DCI) in Waupun, which is a maximum-security prison.

Henderson confirmed the relationship to Daily Mail in a phone call, saying that she knows people will see it as "weird," while adding that the story of how the two met will be "between me, him and God.” She was also asked by the outlet how she feels about his crimes.

"How I feel about it? He knows. He knows how I feel. I don’t know all the people involved but I would want to respect them,” she replied, going on to describe the killings as "something harsh for anyone to experience.”

PEOPLE confirms that Henderson "applied for a confidential name change; however, details of the case are sealed."

Watts strangled his wife, Shanann, in their Colorado home on August 13, 2018. He then drove her body to a job site where he was working, disposed of his wife's body, and then killed his daughters, Bella, 4, and Celeste, 3. At first, he accused his wife of murdering the children, but later pleaded guilty to all the killings, receiving five life sentences, as the death penalty was taken off the table as part of the deal. A documentary on the murders was released on Netflix in 2020 titled “American Murder: The Family Next Door.”

Ritchie Valens was only 17 when he recorded “Come On, Let’s Go” in 1958. The song became his first hit and helped launch a career that, while tragically brief, would have a lasting impact on rock and roll.

Valens, whose real name was Richard Steven Valenzuela, began performing while he was still a teenager in Pacoima, California. When he was 16, he joined a local band called The Silhouettes, playing lead guitar. 

After the group’s lead singer left, Valens took over behind the mic while continuing to play guitar. He also picked up solo gigs at parties and other local events.

His big break came in May 1958, when Del-Fi Records founder Bob Keane heard about the young musician. After seeing Valens perform at a movie theater in San Fernando, Keane invited him to audition at his home studio in Los Angeles. Impressed by the teenager’s talent, Keane signed him to Del-Fi Records.

It was also around this time that he began using the name Ritchie Valens. As Keane once explained, “There were a bunch of ‘Richies’ around at that time, and I wanted it to be different.” 

Just weeks later, Valens recorded “Come On, Let’s Go” at Gold Star Studios in Hollywood. The original song was written by Valens and produced by Keane. Released in August 1958, it became Valens’ first hit, reaching No. 42 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 51 on the Cash Box Top 100. 

Valens had come a long way in just a few months. At 17, he went from playing local gigs in Pacoima to seeing his music reach the national charts.

That success was followed by a double A-side single featuring “Donna,” written about his high school sweetheart, and “La Bamba.” “Donna” was the bigger hit during Valens’ lifetime, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, while “La Bamba” eventually became his most recognizable recording.

As his career continued to take off, Valens left high school at 17 to pursue music full time. Keane lined up performances across the country, along with television appearances, including American Bandstand. 

By early 1959, Valens was touring with the Winter Dance Party alongside Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper and Dion and the Belmonts. After their show in Clear Lake, Iowa, Valens, Holly and The Big Bopper took off on a small plane shortly after midnight on February 3, headed for their next venue.

The plane crashed shortly after takeoff, killing everyone aboard. Valens was only 17, and his professional career had lasted roughly eight months.

His death became part of the tragedy later known as “The Day the Music Died,” a phrase immortalized by Don McLean in his 1971 hit “American Pie.” 

Although Valens’ rise was cut short, “Come On, Let’s Go” put the teenage singer on the map and helped establish him as the first Mexican-American rock and roll star.

Related: 1967 Motown Song, Written by Smokey Robinson, Launched a Young Band’s Career

It's a topic people still down talk about in "polite company," but the new Netflix J-Drama series, S&X, looks to tackle the issue head on. The series, about a sex therapist with his own intimacy issues, brings the oft-taboo subject to the forefront. Read on for about S&X including cast, premiere date, and trailer.

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What is S&X about?

It concerns all of humankind, yet the topic remains taboo. Ichito Shimotori (Kento Nakajima) is a sex therapist at Shimotori Clinic, and every day, he sees patients facing intimate issues they can’t talk about with anyone else. Ignoring the ridicule and prejudice he receives for his chosen profession, he treats each patient with utmost sincerity and respect. But little do the people around him know that he hides an anxiety of his own.

What is S&X rated?

S&X is rated TV-MA.

When does S&X premiere?

S&X premieres on Aug. 20 on Netflix

Where can I watch S&X?

S&X can be streamed in the US on Netflix.

How many episodes are there in S&X?

There are 10 episodes in S&X.

Related: 38 Chinese Dramas So Addictive, You’ll Finish Them Before You Sleep

Will episodes of S&X drop weekly or all at once?

All episodes of S&X will drop at the same time on Aug. 20 on Netflix.

Related: Netflix’s Ghost-Filled K-Drama, The East Palace, Is Already Giving Fans Chills

Is S&X based on other material?

The series is based on Kisei Tada’s popular manga “S and X” which explores complex and delicate modern-day themes through a serious yet empathetic lens.

Related: Netflix’s New K-Drama, Our Sticky Love, Has a Wild Ending—And That Final Twist Changes Everything

Who's in the cast of S&X? Kento Nakajima

Netflix

Kento Nakajima as Ichito Shimotori

Nakajima brings a nuanced blend of composure and warmth to Shimotori. His other credits include Love Like the Falling Petals, Concordia, and Silver Spoon. The former J-Pop singer was a member of Sexy Zone and Yuma Nakayama w/B.I.Shadow.

Yuko Araki

Netflix

Yuko Araki as Yumi Ichinose

Actress/model Yuko Araki is best known for her work in Our Meal Tomorrow, Once Upon a Crime, and Code Blue. Her other credits include Kingdom 4: Return of the Great General, Kiss That Kills, and Suits.

Related: Netflix Dropped an Action-Packed K-Drama That’s Perfect for Weekend Binging

Is there a trailer for S&X?Check out images from S&X

Take a look at some select images from S&X in the gallery below.

Next, BTS’ V Just Added Another Major Name to His Growing Fashion Résumé

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S&X on Netflix

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S&X on Netflix

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S&X on Netflix

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S&X on Netflix

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S&X on Netflix

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S&X on Netflix

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S&X on Netflix

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S&X on Netflix

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If you're a fan of Chick-fil-A's signature waffle fries, then you are going to love the restaurant's newest addition to the fall menu.

Starting August 24, Chick-fil-A customers will be able to order the sweet and savory classic, Chicken & Waffles sandwich. The limited-edition fall menu will also feature two new S’mores-inspired drinks — the S’mores Milkshake and the S’mores Frosted Coffee.

The best part? The Chicken & Waffle sandwich will be available to order all day. The breakfast sandwich version will be available until 10:30 a.m. and will feature a smaller-sized chicken filet and waffle, while the larger entrée option will be on the menu for lunch and dinner.

The sandwiches will debut alongside two S'mores-flavored drinks that are perfect for fall. The S'mores Milkshare is a mix of Chick-fil-A’s signature Icedream dessert, chocolate shortbread, graham cracker crumbles, marshmallow-flavored syrup, and marshmallow-flavored whipped topping.

Photo Credit: Chick-fil-A

The S'mores Frosted Coffee will be a blend of cold-brewed coffee with marshmallow-flavored syrup and Chick-fil-A's Icedream dessert mixed with chocolate shortbread and graham cracker crumbles.

This will be the nationwide launch of the Chicken & Waffle sandwich following a limited-time test in 2025. Guests can customize their order by choosing Original, Spicy, or Grilled, and the sandwich will be served with three strips of applewood smoked bacon, honey butter spread, and maple syrup on the side.

The new menu items were inspired by Chick-fil-A's yearlong "Newstalgia”-inspired celebrations, bringing customers comforting fall favorites with unexpected new twists.

"Both Chicken & Waffles and S’mores are much-loved classics, and we challenged ourselves to bring those flavors to our menu in a playful and unexpected way," Allison Duncan, Director of Menu and Packaging for Chick-fil-A, said in a press release. "After seeing the incredible response and excitement from Guests in our test markets, we couldn’t wait to share these flavors nationwide.”

But remember, these items will only be available for a limited time, so mark your calendars!

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For anyone drawn to modern minimalist decor, choosing a few thoughtfully designed pieces can add personality and elegance without overwhelming a space. A magnetic balance lamp offers a simple way to bring in that elevated aesthetic while lighting up a desk, nightstand or shelf. 

The Xhope4u Balance Table Lamp is currently just $17 at Amazon, down from $43 — that’s 60% off. Its sleek, sculptural shape and cordless design give it a decorative look that feels more like a piece of art than an everyday lamp. One Amazon reviewer called it “beautiful” and said they “received many compliments” from people who admired its unique design. 

Xhope4u Balance Table Lamp, $17 (was $43) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

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Measuring 14 inches deep by 10 inches wide and 3 inches tall, this lamp has a low-profile design that fits easily on a nightstand, desk or other small surface. Its standout feature is the pair of magnetic wooden balls, which add a decorative touch while also working as the on-and-off switch. Simply bring the two balls together to turn the light on, then pull them apart to switch it off. 

The lamp also has six brightness levels that you can adjust with the side buttons. Choose a softer glow when you’re reading or winding down, or turn up the brightness when you’re studying or working. 

The lamp comes in five finishes — dark wood, wood, black, silver, and dark black — so there’s an option for a variety of decor styles. The dark wood version is currently the best deal at $17, while smaller 7.87-inch versions in wood and dark black are $14. Other sizes and styles cost up to $40. 

Shoppers have fallen in love with the lamp’s unique design. One reviewer called it “awesome and fun,” adding, “I had it in my office and everyone kept wanting to take it for theirs!” Another called it a “lovely” and “affordable” version of a similar lamp that can be found at a popular art museum in New York City.

Shop More Deals

• Nearly Natural Tuscan Ceramic Green Vase, $19 (was $33) at Amazon
• Bloomhaven 3-Piece Shabby-Chic Gingham Comforter Set, From $50 (was $60) at Amazon
• Honiway Sunburst Decorative Wall Mirror, From $18 (was $24) at Amazon

Related: Walmart’s Rattan Lamp Set Makes Your Home Feel Like a Relaxing Beachside Getaway For Less

Whether you’re updating a bedroom, home office, or dorm, the Xhope4u Balance Table Lamp brings plenty of style and function to a small space. Head to Amazon and snag one while it’s still in stock and sale!

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In 1972, Looking Glass released their yacht-rock classic “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl),” which quickly reached the top of the charts. However, the band would never repeat that same success again. 

Appearing on the pop-rock band’s eponymous debut album, and written by Elliot Lurie — Looking Glass’ co-vocalist and lead guitarist — “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)” features a bright, breezy, and relaxed melody accented by a toe-tapping beat, light piano chords, and retro electric guitars.  

RELATED: 1969 Hit, Reimagined by Reba McEntire Decades Later, Ranked Among ‘Greatest Country Songs of All Time’

Lyrically, the song tells the bittersweet story of a woman named Brandy who works as a bartender in a port town where sailors regularly come and go. She serves wine and whisky to the men who pass by, becoming particularly drawn to a traveling seaman, whose heart ultimately belongs to the ocean. Despite knowing their connection won’t ever grow to become something greater, Brandy keeps a locket of his name and holds him in her memory. 

In an interview with The Tennessean, Lurie revealed the inspiration behind “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl),” telling the outlet that he pulled the name of the girl’s character from one of his high school girlfriends. 

“The name was derived from a high school girlfriend I had whose name was Randy with an ‘R.’ Usually when I write—I still do it the same way I did back then—I strum some guitar and kind of sing along with the first things that come to mind. Her name came up,” he shared. “Then, I started writing the rest of the song, and it was about a barmaid. I thought Randy was an unusual name for a girl, so it could go either way. The song was about a barmaid, so I changed it to Brandy.”

That wouldn’t be the only song to undergo a name change because of the popularity of “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl).” According to Stereogum, British singer-songwriter Barry Manilow’s No. 1 hit, “Mandy,” written by Richard Kerr and Sheldon David “Scott” English, was originally titled “Brandy.” However, following the success of the Looking Glass hit, the title was changed to “Mandy” to avoid confusion.   

RELATED: 1994 No. 1 Breakthrough Song, Written by a 22 Year Old, Is Still a Powerful Hit 32 Years Later

“Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)” was an immediate hit, and even gained plenty of traction before its official release, thanks to a test pressing of the album receiving airplay on Washington, D.C. radio station WPGC AM/FM, according to American Songwriter. The track reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and Cash Box Top 100 charts and would later become closely associated with the yacht-rock genre. 

“Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)” is still a beloved song decades after its release. The track remained popular through its inclusion in the movie Guardians of the Galaxy and even made Business Insider’s 2025 list of “56 Best One-Hit Wonders of All Time.”

Related: 2004 Hit Track, Reimagined by Stella Lefty, Remains a Road-Trip Sing-Along 21 Years Later

In August 1960, Connie Francis’ “Everybody’s Somebody’s Fool” was still nesting comfortably in the Top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100 after spending two weeks at No. 1 in June. The song, a twangy country-tinged ballad about heartbreak and rejection, was the singer’s biggest hit and, to this day, 66 years later, remains an emotionally resonant ditty.

But the song was actually a gamble. This followed a warning from an MGM executive, who reportedly told Francis that releasing it could mean the end of her career. In reality, though, the historic song became her first No. 1 hit and made her the first solo woman to top the all genre-chart.

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Just 22 at the time, Francis had already amassed a string of 13 Top 40 singles, including her 1958 breakthrough, “Who’s Sorry Now.” But “Everybody’s Somebody’s Fool” became the winning song that would finally get her to the top of the charts.

Released by MGM Records in 1960 as the B-side of “Jealous of You (Tango della Gelosia),” the song achieved so much success that it’s difficult to imagine the singer was forced to quiet naysayers on her way to the top. But that’s exactly what happened.

Written by legendary songwriting duo Jack Keller and Howard Greenfield, the track was originally intended as a soulful song for blues singer LaVern Baker, according to Songfacts. But Francis, having worked with the two on "Stupid Cupid,” approached them for a country tune.

According to Rich Podolsky’s Don Kirshner: The Man With the Golden Ear, Keller was initially shocked when Greenfield told him Francis wanted the song done as a country tune. But he ultimately adapted the arrangement anyway, even adding the organ opening to give it a more authentic country feel, per Songfacts.

Francis got even tougher pushback on the song from MGM producer Arnold Maxim, who was assigned to oversee her recording sessions. “If you put out that country song, I think your career is finished,” he reportedly said.

Obviously, he was wrong. Per Songfacts, when Francis received a framed copy of the commemorative single, she sent it to Maxim—“along with a set of salt-and-pepper shakers.”

“With ‘Everybody's Somebody's Fool,’ I knew going in that it was a No. 1 song," Francis told DISCoveries Magazine, per Songfacts. “I knew that even before the recording session. I really did, just because the lyrics were so great. It had to be a hit because everything like it was. The only music that doesn't seem to change much is country music.”

“Everybody’s Somebody’s Fool” was the first of three No. 1s for the singer-actress extraordinaire. Her second came in September 1960 with “My Heart Has a Mind of Its Own,” another Keller and Greenfield original, and then “Don’t Break the Heart That Loves You,” in March 1962.

With its lush 1960s pop production and aching vocal delivery, “Everybody’s Somebody’s Fool” wasn't just another song for Francis. It changed the trajectory of her career, establishing her as a crossover artist when pop, country, and rock were increasingly colliding on the charts.

As her song says, somebody has to be a fool. With this song, though, it wasn’t Francis.

Related: 1966 Love Song, Made Famous by Judy Collins, Launched a Future Rock Legend’s Career

HenryWinkler wasn't set on being an actor.

The Happy Days star shared his interest in being a child psychologist during a recent appearance on the You Could Make This Beautiful podcast.

“I understand children. I’m able to listen, I think, to children. I’m interested in what they have to say and how they are. I marvel at their prowess in the universe,” Winkler explained. “Yes, I would work with children.”

The 80-year-old actor admitted there was a less traditional reason he was drawn to the career path, stating, “Being so dyslexic, whatever I could do, with the least amount of education [is what I wanted to do].”

Winkler starred in Happy Days as Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli. It ran from 1974 to 1984 for 11 seasons and 255 episodes. It followed a group of friends in Milwaukee throughout the 1950s and 1960s.

In May 2025, Winkler reflected on his experience after the show ended while giving a commencement address at Georgetown University. He was struggling with his dyslexia and couldn't get a new role.

“I was doing a Broadway play. I went back to L.A.; I couldn’t get hired,” he recalled. “They said, ‘Oh well, you know you’re the Fonz and you were so funny and you’re a lovely guy, but you were the Fonz.’ ”

“And I went to a friend, I said, ‘I can’t get hired. I need help,’" he continued. “He said, ‘Write books for children about your learning challenge.’ I said, ‘Well, I can’t do that because I’m learning challenged.’"

The actor ended up publishing 18 volumes of the children’s series Hank Zipzer: The World’s Greatest Underachiever with LinOliver. The books follow a 4th-grade boy who navigates growing up with dyslexia.

“There is not one way to do anything,” Winkler said. “There is only your way. You’re not hired to fill just time and space. You are hired to fill that time and space with your imagination, with that power that you’re going to find. You are wonderful. And everything is possible. Everything is possible.”